photo credit: houseoftext
The corner has well and truly turned on 2009 and as I park myself at my desk and gulp down a mug of green tea in between thoughts, I’m reminded of the year ahead for 2009.
I’ve been working for myself pretty much since I left college. I did take up work in the family business for about six weeks to keep myself going. It started as two and within six months we were three. In 2007 we returned to two and as I look into 2009 I’m reminded that two, has become one as the ways of ones business changes.
Of course, I’ve been getting used to the idea, having resided in the office on my own for the past few months but I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead in 2009.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m very much a team player. Kilkenny Music has operated for over three years with a strong team, the Devious Theatre Company has operated for over two years with a strong team and in my work life there’s always been people around. So for something that started as a team effort, it will be interesting, challenging and I think quite enjoyable to take it to the next step as a solo effort.
A lot of the change I talked to myself about (in a professional and personal capacity) in 2008 is going to start surfacing in 2009. Business is broadening and opportunities actually do exist for those who actively go out and look for them. New clients open to new ideas, old clients with new plans for a changing future – they do exist.
While I’m stopping short on any official announcements work-wise, I will say that I’m going into 2009 in an optimistic mood.
Working for myself is something I always wanted to do. Sure enough, there are bumpy patches along the road. You open yourself up to the world of business, tax, accounts, chasing people for invoices, pitching for contracts, winning those contracts, missing out on those contracts, the good, the bad and the ugly.
As I head into my fourth year of working for myself I can’t say that I’ve any regrets. You learn a lot of valuable lessons, no doubt about that. But at the end of the day, it can be so rewarding knowing that everything you achieve is as a result of the work that YOU did.
Here’s to achieving new things in 2009, and a belated Happy New Year to all.
The best of luck to you this year, Ken – just be sure to schedule a pint with me during the Blog Awards!
@Andy I’ll be overnighting in the hotel so there’ll be absolutely NO excuse not to have pints 🙂
Great to read Ken.
I’m just starting to move in the same direction myself. I had a full time, well paid job for 4.5 years, then within 2 weeks I was asked to leave (same with people who had worked there for over 20 years). So it’s now up to me to shake the tree and grab the fruit. Personally it’s been great so far.
All the best in ’09 !
Paul
Same to yourself, Paul. It’s the way forward really 🙂
Best of luck to you, Mr. Ken. Someone as good and positive as yourself deserves nothing but success and I have complete faith in you for a very successful 2009.
Raise a glass…
Ah cheers Mr Byrne. Did I get wind of you surfacing in Kilkenny again some time in the near future?
Sure, stranger things have happened…
I’m off to New York on Thursday and will be minding the pennies after that, but it would be great to get down before the Blog Awards.
@Darren
New York on Thursday eh? Sure no time like the present. You have to do the registration for landing clearance thing? (caught something about it on the news last night, only 10% of Irish travellers have registered for it, now mandatory in the US).
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